SerpApi.Org
President Trump threatened Wednesday to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant, including in Tehran, each time Iran attacks a ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters: Trump sent the new threat as he considers both a ceasefire and a significant military escalation. His key condition for a ceasefire is for Iran to stop its attacks on ships and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Driving the news: U.S. Central Command said Iran has attacked more than 30 commercial vessels over the past three months.
- Several attacks came after the U.S. and Iran signed a June memorandum of understanding calling for a ceasefire.
What he is saying: "From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Between the lines: The U.S. has already bombed bridges in southern Iran over the last 11 days of fighting. Targeting power plants and strikes in Tehran would mark another escalation.
- Attacking Tehran would likely lead to an even wider Iranian retaliation.
Iran's response: An unidentified military source quoted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated Tasnim news agency said Iran would not allow the Strait of Hormuz to become a source of threats against it.
- "Iran will not abandon its firm determination to control the strait, which it considers essential to the strait's long-term security. If the Americans target an Iranian bridge or power plant, Iran will respond by striking infrastructure and bridges across the region, including energy facilities in which the United States has interests."
Editor's note: This is breaking news and will be updated.
